iGCSE History Core Content B: How Secure was the USSR's Control over Eastern Europe, 1948-1989?

Why did the USSR want control over Eastern Europe?

To create a buffer zone against the West after WWII; protect against capitalism; regain influence over previously Russian territories.

How did Stalin justify the presence of the Red Army in Eastern Europe?

He claimed the Red Army had 'liberated' Eastern Europe from Nazis and stayed to ensure stability.

What were the effects of Soviet economic control?

Five Year Plans imposed, unrealistic targets, exploitation of local resources, poor treatment of workers.

How did the USSR suppress dissent in Eastern Europe?

Using violence, censorship, and repression. Secret police and lack of human rights kept control.

Why did Hungarians protest in 1956?

Poor economy, lack of freedoms, fuel shortages, harsh rule by Rákosi.

Who replaced Rákosi during the Hungarian Uprising?

Imre Nagy.

What reforms did Nagy propose?

Withdrawal from Warsaw Pact, free elections, multiparty democracy.

Why did Khrushchev crush the Hungarian Uprising?

To prevent Hungary leaving Warsaw Pact and triggering further revolts.

What was the Prague Spring?

A period of reform led by Dubcek promoting 'socialism with a human face'.

What reforms did Dubcek propose?

Freedom of speech, less censorship, economic modernisation, more rights.

What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

USSR would intervene in any Communist country where rule was threatened.

How did the USSR respond to Prague Spring?

Invasion by Warsaw Pact troops; Dubcek removed; reforms reversed.

Why was the Berlin Wall built in 1961?

To stop mass emigration from East to West Germany; 3 million had left by 1958.

What triggered Khrushchev's 1958 ultimatum?

The refugee crisis and economic drain on East Germany.

What happened on 12th August 1961?

East German government began constructing the Berlin Wall overnight.

How many people died trying to cross the Berlin Wall?

Over 130 people between 1961 and 1989.

What was Solidarity?

A trade union and protest movement that began in Gdansk, Poland in 1980.

Why did Solidarity gain support?

Economic crisis, popular leader (Lech Walesa), peaceful protest, support from the West.

What were the 21 demands of Solidarity?

Included freedom of speech, better wages, improved working conditions.

Why was martial law imposed in Poland?

To suppress Solidarity and maintain Communist control.

What were the main goals of Gorbachev’s reforms?

Revive the Soviet economy, allow openness, and improve relations with the West.

What does Perestroika mean?

'Restructuring' – introduced limited capitalism and reduced government control.

What does Glasnost mean?

'Openness' – allowed free speech, reduced censorship, admitted past USSR failures.

How did Gorbachev’s reforms weaken Soviet control?

Encouraged resistance in satellite states, USSR could no longer enforce control.

What happened in Hungary in 1989?

Communist government allowed free elections; Hungary opened borders with Austria.

What happened in East Germany in 1989?

Protests led to the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November.

What was the Velvet Revolution?

Peaceful protest in Czechoslovakia in 1989; led to fall of Communist government.

What happened in Romania in 1989?

Ceausescu was overthrown and executed after mass protests.

What was the significance of the 1991 coup?

Hardliners tried to overthrow Gorbachev; coup failed but Gorbachev’s power collapsed.

When did Gorbachev resign?

25th December 1991.

What replaced the USSR?

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).